Convertible play box



June 5, 1934. R, G, BOCK 1,961,957

CONVERT IBLE PLAY BOX 2 Sheets-Sheet l lll . By 7&4@

June 5, R" G. BQCK CONVERTIBLE PLAY Box Filed Nov. l, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented June 5, 1934 1 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CONVERTIBLE PLAY BOX' Richard G. Bock, Chicago, Ill.

Application November 1, 1933, Serial No. 696,137

12 Claims. (Cl. 4637) This invention relates to improvements in a proved play box shown assembled and with the convertible play box. various toys and play things assumed to be as- One of the problems constantly confronting sembled therein. Figure 2 is a perspective View parents and teachers of younger children is that showing one converted rearrangement of the sevof developing a program of properly directed and eral box parts. Figure 3 is a ,vertical sectional @.3 controlled indoor play which will provide not only view corresponding to the section line 3-3 of a variety of amusement but at the same time Figure 2. Figures 4 and 5 are other perspective develop ,a certain amount of skill and dexterity views showing still different converted rearrangeand impart information of an educational charments of the several box parts to provide other `1'0 acter. A second `problem is kto inculcate in chilgames and forms of amusement for the child.

dren a proper regard for the care of their toys Figure 6 is a transverse, sectional view of the box and playthings and, particularly, to put them With all of the parts assembled and showing more `away at the end of the play period in their proper particularly the manner of retaining the several places and manner so as to avoid leaving the toys DeltS iIl the COmDlete assembled bOX fOlm. Fig- .15 and playthings lying .around indiscriminately. A ure 7 is an inside end elevational View showing '/U third problem frequently arises when parents Certain details of construction. And lFigure 8 is take their children away from home on visits for an inside elevational View of the permanent top any length f time and are ,under the necessity `of the box to'illustrate certain details of construe of providing proper amusement and occupation tion that cooperate with features of one of the .20 for their children while away from home in removable 01 detaehable parts. Y "25 strange `surroundings where the usual toys and III Seid drawings, the COIlVeTible play lOOX iS playthings of the children are generally notavail- Shown of generally rectangular form to simulate able and it is inconvenient `or impractical to take a suit case and, for convenience of handling, is a number of'loose. andmiscellaneousjtoys with one. provided With e hand grip 10 0n the J0010 theleO- r One object of this invention is'to provide what VF01' COIlveIiieIlCe 0f description and notby Wav 89 may be termed a convertible combination playof limitation, the box may be said to comprise a room, container or receptacle, and play device DOD 11, an end 12, a side 13, a two part end of neat and attractive appearance, of compact 114-15, best seen in Figure 6, a detachable botarrangement and suitable for taking from one tom 16, and a detachable side 17. As will be T place to another. appreciated, the terms top, bottom, sides and S5 Another object of the invention is to provide ends ttre move 01' leSS relative, dependent 1113011 a convertible play box, preferably in the yform the position assumed by the box. of a small suit case when completely assembled VIn carrying Olli? the invention, the bOX iS made and within which may be compactly stored a Wide in three separable parts or sections. One part "V variety of play things, the box or container being constituting what may best be termed the main 9G of suchcharacter .that the several parts thereof part, comprises the side Wall 13, Atop wall 11, `maybe detached and assembled with keach other and end Wall 12, all of which are rigidly and in several. different ways to iaiford a vvariety of permanently united and, in accordance with the play occupations for achild, some of the arrangerectangular formation of the box, are disposed mentsaffording opportunity for developing cerin three planes at right` angles to each other.

tain manual skill and dexterity of thechild, others Preferably, also, the half 15 of the other end to develop strictlyy educational values, and others Wall is made permanently associated with the musical appreciation. main part, just described.

Still another object of the inventionl is to pro- .The second detachable part of the box consists "145 vide a convertible play box for neatly retaining of the side 17, the details of which are described 10U a wide variety of play things, the arrangement hereinafter, and the third detachable part conbeing such that, in storing away the play things sists ofthe bottom Wall 16, which preferably has Within the boxy and `assembling the box parts, a rigidly united therewith and extending at right sense of neatness, orderliness `and pride of posangles therefrom the other half end 14 of the session will be inculcated in the possessor thereof. box. In order to carry out certain of the rear- 105 Other objects of the invention will more clearly rangements of the box parts as, for instance, the appear from the description and claims hereinset-up shown `in Figure 4, the width of the side after following. Vwalls 13 and 17 and more particularly the de- In the drawings forming a part of this applitachable side wall 17, is made approximately cation, Figure 1 is a perspectiveview of the imtwice the width ofthe ends of the box so` that, 110

in the arrangement shown in Figure 4 for instance, where the detachable side wall 17 is shown disposed within the main part at one end thereof so as to elevate the latter, said elevated end will be approximately twice the distance above the floor as the lower end of the main part and the latter at the same height as the elevated end of the detachable bottom 16 when the latter is positioned as shown, so as to provide an inclined continuous runway from the highest end of the main part of the box to the lowest end of the bottom 16.

The several parts may be made of any suitable material but, preferably, of as light construction as possible, consistent with the necessary strength. Preferably, each of the walls proper is made of a suitable composition board of heavy card-like nature, as indicated at 20 in Figure 6, the walls proper being suitably rigidied by wood strips around the edges and by which the parts may be neatly held together by suitable nailing, certain of said wood strips as hereinafter described, being so formed and positioned as to perform certain functions in the cooperation of the several parts.

In the case of the main part 11-12---13, edge strips are applied on the outer side thereof as indicated at 21--22-23-24-25 and 26. The strip 21, as best shown in Figures 2 and 4, is beveled at its end as indicated at 121 so as to enhance the support of the lower end of said main part when occupying the position shown in Figure 4.

The detachable side 17 has applied thereto around three of its edges, the strips 27-28 and 29 so that, when occupying the position on the floor as best shown in Figure 5, said strips provide a retaining wall or enclosure for marbles or the like that may be rolled down thereonto, one such marble being indicated by dotted lines at 30 in Figure 5. Also, the detachable side wall 17 is provided on the same side as that on which the strips 27-28 and 29 are located, with two additional strips 31-31 arranged parallel with each other and the side strips 27 and 29 and spaced from the latter a distance so as to properly receive and retain between each strip 31 and adjacent side strip, blocks such as indicated at 32-32 in Figure 2, in which arrangement the side wall 17 is functioning as an inclined table or support, as will be apparent. On its under side as it appears in Figures 2, 3 and 5, the detachable side wall 17 will preferably have its surface 171 covered with black board composition so that, when it is reversed as shown in Figures 2 and 3, said wall 17 will provide a convenient inclined blackboard for the child to write or draw upon with chalk.

The third detachable part or bottom 16, is provided on its exterior surface with two longitudinally extending strips 3333 which, when said bottom 13 is in either of the arrangements shown in Figures 4 and 5, constitute guideways or retaining guides for any articles rolled theredown. In the arrangement of Figure 4, suitable wheeled toys such as miniature automobiles, aeroplanes and the like may be rolled down the incline and onto the floor. In the Figure 5 arrangement, marbles will preferably be rolled down the inclined bottom wall 16 and to provide a game and develop skill of the child, a detachable notched barrier 34, as shown in dotted lines, may be employed so that marbles rolled down may only pass the barrier if skillfully directed to pass through the notch therein. In this latter arrangement, it will be evident that the strips 33 of the bottom 16 are somewhat closer spaced than the strips 31 of the detachable side 17 so that no interference will be provided by the latter for articles rolled down the bottom 16.

Said bottom 16 on its inner side is provided with two additional strips 35-35 flush with the edges of the wall board proper 20 and the half end 14 associated with said bottom 16 is also provided on its inner side thereof with strips 36-36, which are extended beyond the edge 141 of the half end, as indicated at 136-136 where the same butt the ends of two strips 37-37 on the inner side of the other half end 15, which is rigidly associated with the main part of the box. Said half end 15 also has secured to its inner face, and preferably centrally thereof, a strip 38 which is extended beyond the edge 141 so that, when the two half ends are brought together as shown in Figure 6, a rigid joint is provided, the two half ends being retained in assembled position by any suitable means such as the hook and eye 32-40, as shown. In this connection, it will be understood that at the time the hook is latched with its eye, the detachable side wall 17 will be off.

To rigidify the connection between the half end 14 and bottom 16 and also to serve certain other functions, diagonal braces 41-41 are employed, the lower ends thereof, as viewed in Figure 3, being united to the half end 14 at 'the outer edge of the latter and being extended upwardly to near the top of the bottom 16 and secured to the wall board thereof, as indicated at 141.

Cross braces 42-42 are extended between the main braces 41 on the undersides of the latter, said cross braces 42 being utilized to support a small Xylophone framework 43, the metal keys of which are indicated at 44. With this construction, as will be apparent, when the bottom 16 is detached and laid on its bottom wall 16 proper, the Xylophone is available for use by the child. Referring more particularly to Figures 3 and 8, it will be noted that the main part of the box is provided with an interior, longitudinally extending strip 45 in the lower righthand corner running lengthwise of the top 11. Said strip 45 as shown, is recessed as indicated at 145 so as to receive therewithin the extended ends 13G-136 of the strips on the half end 14 associated with the bottom 16 when the parts are arranged as shown in Figures 2 and 3, thus interlocking said bottom part 16 with the main box part to thus provide a rigid backing or support for the detachable side wall 17 when it is positioned as shown in Figures 2 and 3. In this arrangement, the lower edge of the side wall 17 is supported at its ends on the interior strip 37 of the half end 15 and on the interior strip 46 of the end 12, constituting a part of the main box part. As shown in Figure 2, the end strip 24 is notched, as indicated at 47 so as to allow the insertion therethrough of a corner of the side wall 17 so as to be supported on said strip 46. In this connection, it is evident that the outside longitudinal strip 21 on the top 11 of the main part will serve as a retainer 'to prevent the lower edge of the side wall 17 from slipping outwardly and hence permit the child to bear with pressure on the sloping side wall, either for the purpose of positioning the blocks 32 thereon or in using chalk in the event the side wall 17 is reversed to present the blackboard side uppermost,

` :To providelfor interlockingrthe:detachable=side` 17 and detachable-bottom A16 Vwith the-end `12 `of `the inainsipart, when thebox -isto be comfpletely i assembled; a horizontal groovey 48' is `provided -bythe* two `strips `24 4ande l to receive the plain edge `2710i `the detachable side- 17 'and a `vertically extending groove 49 is 4providedby the 49 and =then the half end'li latchedwith the other half .end 1'5 by the hooki and eye 39--40. After the loosetoys andplaythings have been insertedfwithin the box, the'side wall 17 is-'next @applied'by seating the'edge 271 thereof `within thegroove-48 andthe side 17 then latched to -the halfr walll,` forming a part ofthemain part of the box asiby the fiat latch51 and eye ,"151,

in which condition all'of the box parts are then `held rigidly together and the box-asan entirety may be conveniently carried from Yplace to place. AThev inner face of the side 13- constitutinga `portion of the mainpart of the box, -is preferably provided with a relatively thick layer 60 of brous `material yso `that the same `may be used `to receive the projecting ends of any nails that maybe driven through a piece of wood supported thereon and thus preventv driving nails into a floor. Also, saidber layer may be utilized for-retaining the wickets and stakes of a miniature croquet set, the material-beingsuch that the ends of the wicketsand stakes maybe inserted `readily therein and-will be held in placefthus adding another theI child.

In outfitting the play box, the same will be equipped with suitable hammers for the xylophone; wheeled toys such as automobiles, aeroplanes and the like for use when the box is set up as shown in Figure 4, marbles or other spherical objects for use when the set-up shown in Figure 5 is employed; blocks for use when the box is set up as shown in Figure 2; and chalk for use in connection with the blackboard of side 17. In addition, numerous other toys or play articles may be included in the set such as hammer, nails and a loose nail board; rings and ring posts; ten pins and balls; animals on wheels and various other articles that will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. In connection with the rings and ring posts, the ring posts may be permanently fastened to the game that may be played by 5 inner side of the top wall 11 and the main part of the box set up on said top resting on the floor, in which case the remaining Walls of said main part will be upstanding vertically and form a semi-enclosure for the rings as thrown, as will be understood.

From the preceding description, it will be seen that all of the articles of play may be compactly stored within the one box or container; a wide variety of uses may be made of the box parts in the playing of different kinds of games; that the child will necessarily develop considerable skill and dexterity in disassembling the box parts and reassembling them in different arrangements; and in general, will be provided with a wide range of amusements to maintain interest for considerable periods of time.

Although the preferred embodiment of the invention has herein been shown and described, nevertheless the same is susceptible of various changes and modifications and all changes and modificationsare contemplated that come within the scope-of `the-claims appended hereto.

What is-claimed-isz A Y 1.- In a convertible `play boxV of the Vcharacter described, the combination with a main part including a side, end, and top rigidly united and respectively disposed in three planes at right angles to each other; of a detachable side; a detachable bottom, the latter-having a supporting section at right angles `to the bottomproper at one ond of the latter whereby, when positioned with said supporting section down and resting thereon and its opposite-end, said -bottom-provides-an inclined runway and, when assembled-with said main part, and Vdetachable side, completesthe closed box; and means for-retaining said main part, detachable -side and bottom in assembled condition.

32. In a convertible play box ofthe character described, the combination with a main part including a side, end, and top rigidly united and respectively disposed in three planes at right angles to each other; of a detachable side;.a detachable bottom, the latter-having a` supporting section at right angles to the bottom proper at one vend of the latter, said supporting section substantially equalling -inlength thewidthof the top Vof the main part, whereby said bottom may be positioned at an inclination constitutingv a continuation of the side of the main part when the latter has one end thereof elevated.V

3. In a convertible play box ofthe character described, the combination with-a main part including a side, end and top rigidly united and respectively disposed in three planes atright an- VYgles to;each other; of a detachable side; a d etachable bottom, the latter having a supporting section at right angles to the bottom proper at one end of the latter, said bottom having guide rails extending lengthwise thereof on its outer surface.

4. In a convertible play box of the character described, the combination with a main part including a side, end, and top, all rigidly united; of a detachable side having retaining rails around three edges thereof on one surface; a detachable bottom having a supporting section at right angles thereto at one end thereof; and means for retaining said main part and detachable side and bottom in assembled box form.

5. In a convertible play box of the character described, the combination with a main part including a side, end, and top rigidly united and respectively disposed in three planes at right angles to each other; of a detachable bottom, the latter having a supporting section at right angles to the bottom proper at one end of the latter, the length of said supporting section corresponding substantially to the width of the top of the main part and said detachable side being of substantially twice the width of said top, said detachable side being insertable on edge within one end of the main part and the detachable bottom adapted to be positioned in abutting relation with the opposite end of said main part whereby to provide a continuous inclined runway inclusive of the main part and bottom.

6. In a convertible play box of the character described, the combination with a main part including a side, end, and top rigidly united and respectively disposed in three planes at right angles'to each other; of a detachable side; a detachable bottom, the latter having a supporting section at right angles to the bottom proper at one end of the latter, said main part being provided on the interior thereof with an overhanging shoulder beneath which the free end of said supporting section of the bottom is adapted to engage and be interlocked therewith to 'thereby provide a backing support extending above said main part.

'7. In a convertible play box of the character described, the combination with a main part including a side, end, and top rigidly united and respectively disposed in three planes at right angles to each other; of a detachable side; a detachable bottom, the latter having a supporting section at right angles to the bottom proper at one end of the latter, and a diagonally extending brace between the end of said supporting section and the bottom proper.

8. In a convertible play box of the character described, the combination with a main part including a side, end and top rigidly associated; of a detachable side provided on one side thereof with rails and on the other with a blackboard surface; and a detachable bottom adapted to be supported on end within said main part, said bottom and main part having cooperable means for retaining the bottom in its said on end position, the detachable side with either surface up being adapted to be supported along one edge on said main part and along its other edge against said upstanding bottom.

9. In a convertible rectangular play box of the character described, the combination with a main part including a side, one end, another half end, and a top all rigidly associated; of a detachable side; and a detachable bottom having a complemental half end rigid therewith, the width of the ends being substantially half the width of the sides, the detachable side being insertaole with one of its longitudinal edges within one end of said main part to support that end elevated with the other supported on its said half end, and the detachable bottom being supportable on its half end against the lower end of the main part whereby to provide an inclined continuous runway of a length equal to the sum of the lengths of a box side and bottom.

1G, A play box in accordance with claim 9 wherein said main part and detachable side and said main part and detachable bottom are provided with cooperating interengaging retaining formations when in assembled complete box form.

11. In a convertible rectangular play box of the character described, the combination with a main part including a side, one end, another half end, and a top all rigidly associated; of a detachable side; and a detachable bottom having a complemental half end rigid therewith, said half end of the detachable bottom and the interior of the main part being provided with cooperable interlocking formations and said main part being provided also with additional shoulders to support one edge of said detachable side when positioned exteriorly of said main part and, in part supported by said detachable bottom while the latter is interlocked with said main part.

12. As an article of manufacture, a member adapted to constitute a detachable wall of a complete convertible box, said member at one end thereof having a supporting section extending at right angles to the member proper, said section having means adapted to cooperate with correspending means of another part of the box to provide an interlock to maintain said member proper 

